Tanko Yakasai, a prominent politician from the Second Republic, issued a stern warning to advocates of a separate Yoruba State, asserting firmly that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not have the authority to cede any part of Nigeria or endorse its division.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Sun in Kano, Yakasai, who emphasized his Yoruba heritage, clarified that neither the current president nor any other Nigerian leader holds the constitutional power to authorize any entity or group within Nigeria to secede and establish an independent nation.
Yakasai emphasized that any group contemplating secession must advocate for constitutional amendments to accommodate such aspirations. He advised those interested in secession not to pressure President Tinubu but instead to concentrate on pushing for constitutional reforms.
Yakasai asserted, “As a matter of fact, there is no provision in the Nigeria Constitution that permits any part of the country to move out of the Federation as it is presently constituted.”
The seasoned politician recognized the democratic entitlement of individuals and collectives to harbor diverse perspectives on governance and politics.
Nonetheless, he underscored the importance of ensuring that such viewpoints are in harmony with the country's constitutional framework.
Addressing concerns about the hurdles of constitutional reform, including the origins of the current constitution during military rule, Yakasai implied that silence on this issue amounts to approval.
He noted that the lack of opposition to the omission of secession from the 1999 constitution implies tacit acceptance of its terms.